Load Reduction Test

Load Reduction Test

University Park reduced a whopping third of its electricity usage during the annual test of load reduction June 19. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., Penn State's Office of Physical Plant worked behind the scenes remotely to power down as many pumps, fans, compressors and lights as possible. University employees and students were encouraged to shut off their lights and office equipment. Central electricity metering during the test hour averaged 21 megawatts (compared to an average of 35MW to up to 45MW on a hot day). That drop is equivalent to the energy usage of 10,000 to 15,0000 average U.S. homes.

From 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, Penn State will again test the University Park campus' capability to reduce its electricity load when called upon during national or regional power emergencies. Last year's test reduced the power load by 20,000 kilowatts -- 1.5 times the electricity demand of all the homes in Bellefonte -- but the high temperature was 10 degrees lower. Thursday's heat may mean this "test" is a real event. University Park occupants are asked to limit all unnecessary electrical consumption under individual control.